Balanced Living

Back to Basics – Sprout Your Own Food!

Posted by Arja on January 22 in Nutrition, Side Dishes

In the midst of a bitterly cold January in Canada, it’s unlikely that you’re growing much food of your own.  Sure, if you’re in Toronto you can hit up markets like Evergreen Brickworks, Dufferin Grove, or Wychwood Barns to grab food grown by local farmers, but most of the fresh stuff these days comes in the form of root vegetables, squash, or fruit that holds up in cold storage.  Sprouts are a great way to add fresh green food into your diet, but purchasing organic (or even non-organic) sprouts on a weekly basis can get pricey, especially if you want to have more than one variety on hand.

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Celebrate Success + Eat More of These 5 Healthy Foods

Posted by Arja on January 7 in Holistic Health, Nutrition

It’s the start of a new year, and with that comes a sense of renewed energy.  Some people use it to tackle projects around the house, or come up with new ways to bring order where there is chaos.  Others take a look inwards to focus on personal growth and learning.  Regardless of whether you jump on board with goals of your own or not, here is no denying that a lot of this energy and drive is focused on health and wellness.

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Sweet + Simple Gift Ideas – 2014

Posted by Arja on December 10 in Holistic Health

There are 15 days left until Christmas.  Yes, you read that correctly.  If you’re anything like me, the idea of getting within 2 blocks of a mall at this time of year, let alone trying to park and actually go inside, makes you break out in a clammy sweat.  Once upon a time I used to loooooove wandering the mall and shopping, but not anymore.  It’s not just the mall itself (and the crowds!) that turn me off, it’s the entire experience and many of the products.  It feels so impersonal.  The shop local movement is great, and wandering around boutique style stores and craft shows is also fantastic, but sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all of these things AND check off an entire holiday shopping list.  If you’re looking to shop local, and with a nod to integrity, and eco friendly products, I may have a few ideas for you!

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The Resurrection of the Family Dinner – “Creamy” Broccoli + Swiss Chard Soup

Posted by Arja on November 25 in Soups and Stews

This may come as a surprise to many of you, but despite the fact that I have a small child, I didn’t eat dinner with him on a regular basis until just recently.  I used to prep a meal and feed him, then wait until my husband was home much later and eat with him.  This allowed us to sit at the table and catch up on the day in peace, and was likely also a habitual carryover from my kiddo’s baby days.  As summer this year came to a close and my little man was about to start SK, I felt it was time to make a change.

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Early Resolution 2 Week Mini Reboot

Posted by Arja on November 20 in Holistic Health

Winter is suddenly here and with that comes holiday parties, celebrations, and loads of edible gifts! Want to kick start some healthy habits this season and head into the holidays feeling healthier and in control?   Join my 2 Week Mini Reboot running from December 1st - December 14th and take away some strategies that you can help you navigate your way through a sea of countless buffet tables and office treats!

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arja pennanen lytle c.n.p. n.n.c.p certified nutritional practitioner

Arja is a Holistic Nutritionist with a passion for balanced living. She loves to help people sleep better, think better, feel sexier, and just generally feel better by putting the focus on eating foods that make you feel good. Arja uses whole foods, lifestyle adjustments, herbs, and some supplements to help people feel their best and achieve their health and wellness goals.